Horizontal connector

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of electric connection, especially a horizontal connector, including metal shell, insulating inner shell and electricity terminal, the metal shell is through stamping and is covered in the outside of insulating inner shell, the insulating inner shell is sequentially provided with the plug cavity, fixed panel and the curved foot groove along the plug direction, the metal shell sets up tail shielding plate, the tail shielding plate covers the outside of curved foot groove, the one side of insulating inner shell is close to curved foot groove and is provided with the clamping groove, the metal shell is provided with the clamping pin, the clamping pin is bent and is clamped in the clamping groove, the electricity terminal sets up on fixed panel and one end extends to the plug cavity, the other end extends to curved foot groove, the utility model is provided with the clamping groove in the one side of insulating inner shell close to curved foot groove, and the clamping pin of metal shell is bent and is clamped in the clamping groove, makes metal shell and insulating inner shell closely combine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrical connection technology, and in particular to a horizontal connector. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of automotive electronics technology, in-vehicle connectors are playing an increasingly important role in various electronic systems, undertaking crucial responsibilities for signal transmission and power supply. However, in-vehicle electronic devices operate in complex environments and are inevitably affected by electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic compatibility issues, especially near high-frequency signal transmission and sensitive electronic components. Electromagnetic interference can lead to signal distortion, data errors, and even equipment malfunctions. Therefore, improving the shielding effect of in-vehicle connectors has become a critical technical problem that urgently needs to be solved.

[0003] Currently, to improve the electromagnetic shielding performance of connectors, a common approach is to equip the connector housing with a metal shielding shell. This metal shielding shell can effectively block external electromagnetic interference and ensure stable signal transmission. However, existing metal shielding shells suffer from insufficient stability in practical applications. Most metal shells are prone to deformation under vibration, temperature changes, or mechanical shock, leading to a decrease in shielding performance or even damage, thus affecting the reliability and lifespan of the connector. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new design scheme or manufacturing technology to enhance the structural stability of the metal shielding shell and improve its resistance to deformation, thereby effectively improving the overall shielding effect and reliability of automotive connectors and meeting the high performance and high reliability requirements of modern automotive electronic systems. Utility Model Content

[0004] To solve the above problems, this utility model provides a locking groove on the side of the insulating inner shell near the bent foot groove, and the locking pins of the metal outer shell are bent and locked in the locking groove, so that the metal outer shell and the insulating inner shell are tightly connected to each other in a horizontal connector.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: a horizontal connector, including a metal shell, an insulating inner shell, and electrical terminals. The metal shell is stamped and covered on the outside of the insulating inner shell. The insulating inner shell is provided with a mating cavity, a fixing panel, and a bent-pin groove in sequence along the mating direction. The metal shell is provided with a tail shield plate, which covers the outside of the bent-pin groove. The insulating inner shell is provided with a locking groove on the side near the bent-pin groove. The metal shell is provided with locking pins, which are bent and locked in the locking groove. The electrical terminals are provided on the fixing panel, with one end extending to the mating cavity and the other end extending to the bent-pin groove.

[0006] A further improvement to the above scheme is that contact springs are provided on both sides of the metal outer shell, and through grooves are provided on both sides of the insulating inner shell. One end of the through groove is connected to the insertion cavity, and the contact end of the contact spring extends through the through groove into the insertion cavity.

[0007] A further improvement to the above scheme is that a positioning guide platform is provided at one end of the insertion cavity located in the through groove, a limiting groove is provided on the side of the positioning guide platform facing the through groove, and a limiting abutment block is provided on the contact spring, the limiting abutment block is used to abut against the limiting groove to limit the contact spring.

[0008] A further improvement to the above solution is that the insulating inner shell is provided with an assembly buckle on one side of the limiting groove, and the metal outer shell is provided with an assembly slot, which is used to cooperate with the assembly buckle to fix the metal outer shell onto the insulating inner shell.

[0009] A further improvement to the above scheme is that the insulating inner shell is provided with a limiting rib and a backstop groove. The limiting rib is opposite to the backstop groove. The limiting rib is used for positioning the front end of the metal outer shell. The metal outer shell is provided with a limiting spring. The limiting spring is recessed toward the backstop groove to form a front-rear positioning of the metal outer shell.

[0010] A further improvement to the above solution is that the locking pin is provided with a fixing block, and the inner side of the locking groove is provided with a fixing slot, and the fixing block is used to be inserted into the fixing slot.

[0011] A further improvement to the above solution is that the bottom of the metal outer shell is provided with a folding pin, the folding pin is provided with a limiting plug, the bottom of the insulating inner shell is provided with a folding groove, one side of the folding groove is provided with a limiting slot, the folding pin is bent and fastened to the folding groove, and one end of the limiting plug is inserted into the limiting slot.

[0012] A further improvement to the above solution is that the bottom of the metal casing is provided with an extended solder pad, the extended solder pad extends toward the bottom of the metal casing, and the extended solder pad is provided with solder holes.

[0013] A further improvement to the above scheme is that a plug-in guide groove is provided at the bottom of the plug-in cavity, and the plug-in guide groove extends through to the bottom surface of the insulating inner shell.

[0014] A further improvement to the above solution is that a support platform is provided on both sides of the bent foot groove, and the power connection terminal includes a fixed end, a plug-in end and a pin end. The fixed end is provided on the fixed panel, the plug-in end extends to the plug-in cavity, the pin end extends to the bent foot groove, and the power connection terminal is provided in two rows. The pin end of the upper row of power connection terminals is provided with a partition block, and one side of the partition block abuts against the support platform.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0016] Compared to existing connectors, this invention features a metal outer shell that is stamped over the outer surface of an insulating inner shell. Its tail shielding plate covers the outside of the bend groove, effectively providing shielding. In the automotive environment, numerous electronic devices generate complex electromagnetic interference. The metal outer shell shields against external electromagnetic interference and prevents leakage of electromagnetic signals generated inside the connector, ensuring the stability and reliability of the connector's connection and guaranteeing the normal operation of the vehicle's electronic systems. This reduces the impact of electromagnetic interference on vehicle control and communication functions. Regarding structural stability, a retaining groove is provided on the side of the insulating inner shell near the bend groove. The retaining pins of the metal outer shell are bent and secured within the retaining groove, ensuring a tight connection between the metal outer shell and the insulating inner shell. During vehicle operation, vibrations and bumps are encountered. This structure prevents loosening or displacement between the metal outer shell and the insulating inner shell, ensuring the overall stability of the connector structure and extending its service life. The electrical terminals are located on the fixed panel, extending one end to the insertion cavity and the other end to the bend groove, facilitating reliable electrical connection with external devices. Furthermore, the insertion cavity, fixed panel, and bent foot groove of the insulating inner shell are arranged sequentially along the insertion direction, making the insertion and removal operation smoother and improving the convenience and efficiency of the connector. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the horizontal connector of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a horizontal connector from another perspective;

[0019] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Exploded view of a horizontal connector;

[0020] Figure 4 for Figure 1 An exploded view of a horizontal connector from another perspective;

[0021] Figure 5 for Figure 1 Front view of the horizontal connector;

[0022] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Sectional view of AA.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: Metal outer shell 1, Tail shielding plate 11, Locking pin 12, Fixing insert 121, Contact spring 13, Limiting abutment block 131, Assembly slot 14, Limiting spring 15, Folding pin 16, Limiting insert 161, Extended solder pad 17, Solder hole 171, Insulating inner shell 2, Insertion cavity 21, Positioning guide platform 211, Limiting groove 212, Insertion guide groove 213, Fixing panel 22, Bent foot groove 23, Support platform 231, Locking groove 24, Fixing slot 241, Through groove 25, Assembly buckle 26, Limiting rib 27, Anti-reverse groove 28, Folding groove 29, Limiting slot 291, Power terminal 3, Fixing end 31, Insertion end 32, Pin end 33, Separator block 331. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To facilitate understanding of this utility model, a more complete description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Preferred embodiments of this utility model are shown in the drawings. However, this utility model can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of this utility model.

[0025] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly attached to the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component.

[0026] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Figures 1-6As shown, in one embodiment of this utility model, a horizontal connector is provided, including a metal outer shell 1, an insulating inner shell 2, and electrical terminals 3. The metal outer shell 1 is stamped over the outside of the insulating inner shell 2. The insulating inner shell 2 is provided with a mating cavity 21, a fixing panel 22, and a bent-leg groove 23 sequentially along the mating direction. The metal outer shell 1 is provided with a tail shielding plate 11, which covers the outside of the bent-leg groove 23. The insulating inner shell 2 is provided with a locking groove 24 on the side near the bent-leg groove 23. The metal outer shell 1 is provided with a locking pin 12, which is bent and locked in the locking groove 24. The electrical terminals 3 are provided on the fixing panel 22, with one end extending to the mating cavity 21 and the other end extending to the bent-leg groove 23. In this embodiment, the metal outer shell 1 is stamped over the outside of the insulating inner shell 2, and the tail shielding plate 11 covers the outside of the bent-leg groove 23, which can effectively play a shielding role. In the vehicle environment, numerous electronic devices generate complex electromagnetic interference. The metal housing 1 shields against external electromagnetic interference and prevents leakage of electromagnetic signals generated inside the connector, ensuring the stability and reliability of the connector's power connection and the normal operation of the vehicle's electronic systems. This reduces the impact of electromagnetic interference on vehicle control, communication, and other functions. Regarding structural stability, a retaining groove 24 is provided on the side of the insulating inner shell 2 near the bent pin groove 23. The retaining pins 12 of the metal housing 1 are bent and secured within the retaining groove 24, ensuring a tight connection between the metal housing 1 and the insulating inner shell 2. During vehicle operation, vibrations and bumps are encountered. This structure prevents loosening or displacement between the metal housing 1 and the insulating inner shell 2, ensuring the overall stability of the connector structure and extending its service life. The power terminal 3 is located on the fixed panel 22, extending one end to the insertion cavity 21 and the other end to the bent pin groove 23, facilitating reliable electrical connection with external devices. Furthermore, the insertion cavity 21, the fixed panel 22, and the bent foot groove 23 of the insulating inner shell 2 are arranged sequentially along the insertion direction, making the insertion and removal operations smoother and improving the convenience and efficiency of the connector.

[0027] Contact springs 13 are provided on both sides of the metal outer shell 1, and through slots 25 are provided on both sides of the insulating inner shell 2. One end of the through slot 25 connects to the insertion cavity 21, and the contact end of the contact spring 13 extends through the through slot 25 into the insertion cavity 21. In this embodiment, the metal outer shell 1 is covered to the outside of the insulating inner shell 2 by a stamping process, and the two are tightly combined, which enhances the overall structural stability. The locking pins 12 of the metal outer shell 1 are bent and locked in the locking grooves 24 of the insulating inner shell 2, preventing relative movement or separation between the metal outer shell 1 and the insulating inner shell 2, ensuring that the connector structure remains stable and reliable due to vibration and other factors during vehicle operation. The metal outer shell 1 has a good shielding effect. Its tail shielding plate 11 covers the outside of the bent pin groove 23, which can effectively block external electromagnetic interference, avoid interference signals from affecting the normal operation of the power terminal 3, and ensure the stable electrical performance of the connector in complex electromagnetic environments. The power terminal 3 is set on the fixed panel 22, with one end extending to the plug cavity 21 for connection with external equipment, and the other end extending to the bent foot groove 23. This layout makes the power transmission path clear and reasonable, and reduces the loss and distortion in the signal transmission process.

[0028] A positioning guide 211 is provided at one end of the insertion cavity 21 located in the through groove 25. A limiting groove 212 is provided on the side of the positioning guide 211 facing the through groove 25. A limiting abutment block 131 is provided on the contact spring 13, which abuts against the limiting groove 212 to limit the contact spring 13. In this embodiment, the positioning guide 211 is located at one end of the through groove 25, providing clear guidance for the installation of the contact spring 13. This allows operators to quickly and accurately place the contact spring 13 in the correct position during connector assembly, improving production efficiency and installation accuracy. It also reduces the product defect rate caused by installation errors. The limiting abutment block 131 abuts against the limiting groove 212, reliably limiting the contact spring 13.

[0029] An assembly buckle 26 is provided on one side of the limiting groove 212 of the insulating inner shell 2, and an assembly slot 14 is provided on the metal outer shell 1. The assembly slot 14 is used to cooperate with the assembly buckle 26 to fix the metal outer shell 1 onto the insulating inner shell 2. In this embodiment, the cooperation between the assembly buckle 26 and the assembly slot 14 provides an additional and reliable fixing method for the metal outer shell 1 and the insulating inner shell 2. In a vehicle environment, strong vibrations and bumps will occur during vehicle operation. Simply stamping the metal outer shell 1 over the outside of the insulating inner shell 2 may not be sufficient to cope with these complex working conditions. The cooperation between the assembly buckle 26 and the assembly slot 14 can further enhance the connection strength between the two, prevent the metal outer shell 1 and the insulating inner shell 2 from loosening or separating, and ensure the stability of the overall connector structure. The cooperation between the assembly buckle 26 and the assembly slot 14 can prevent gaps from appearing in the metal outer shell 1 due to loosening, thereby ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of shielding, allowing the internal structure such as the power terminal 3 to work in a stable electromagnetic environment, and reducing the impact of electromagnetic interference on signal transmission and power transmission.

[0030] The insulating inner shell 2 is provided with limiting ribs 27 and anti-reverse grooves 28. The limiting ribs 27 and anti-reverse grooves 28 are opposite each other. The limiting ribs 27 are used for positioning the front end of the metal outer shell 1. The metal outer shell 1 is provided with limiting spring pieces 15, which are recessed towards the anti-reverse grooves 28 to form a front-rear positioning of the metal outer shell 1. In this embodiment, the limiting ribs 27 can position the front end of the metal outer shell 1, clarifying the initial installation position of the metal outer shell 1 on the insulating inner shell 2. This allows operators to quickly and accurately place the metal outer shell 1 into the predetermined position during assembly, improving production efficiency and installation accuracy, and reducing the product defect rate caused by installation position deviations. The limiting spring pieces 15 are recessed towards the anti-reverse grooves 28, forming an effective front-rear positioning of the metal outer shell 1. In a vehicle environment, vibrations and bumps generated during vehicle movement are frequent. This design can prevent the metal outer shell 1 from shifting or shaking in the front-rear direction. This ensures a tight fit between the metal outer shell 1 and the insulating inner shell 2, maintaining the stability of the overall connector structure and preventing the connector's performance from being affected by the loosening of the metal outer shell 1.

[0031] The locking pin 12 is provided with a fixing plug 121, and the inner side of the locking groove 24 is provided with a fixing slot 241. The fixing plug 121 is used to insert into the fixing slot 241. In this embodiment, the fixing plug 121 is inserted into the fixing slot 241, which greatly enhances the connection strength between the metal outer shell 1 and the insulating inner shell 2. The vehicle environment is complex, and vibrations and bumps occur frequently when the vehicle is in motion. A stable connection method can effectively prevent the metal outer shell 1 and the insulating inner shell 2 from loosening or separating under long-term vibration, ensuring the stability of the overall connector structure and enabling the connector to work reliably under vehicle conditions.

[0032] The bottom of the metal outer shell 1 is provided with a folding pin 16, and the folding pin 16 is provided with a limiting plug 161. The bottom of the insulating inner shell 2 is provided with a folding groove 29, and one side of the folding groove 29 is provided with a limiting slot 291. The folding pin 16 is bent and fastened to the folding groove 29, and one end of the limiting plug 161 is inserted into the limiting slot 291. In this embodiment, the folding pin 16 is bent and fastened to the folding groove 29. This fastening method greatly enhances the tightness of the connection between the metal outer shell 1 and the insulating inner shell 2. It prevents relative displacement or separation between the metal outer shell 1 and the insulating inner shell 2, ensures the stability of the overall connector structure, and extends the service life of the connector. The tight connection between the metal outer shell 1 and the insulating inner shell 2 helps maintain a good electromagnetic shielding effect. The metal housing 1 itself has the function of shielding external electromagnetic interference, and the stable connection ensures that the metal housing 1 can completely cover the insulating inner shell 2, avoiding gaps, thereby effectively preventing electromagnetic interference from entering the connector, protecting components such as the power terminal 3 from the influence of the external electromagnetic environment, and improving the anti-interference capability and stability of the vehicle electronic system.

[0033] An extended solder pad 17 is provided at the bottom of the metal housing 1, extending towards the bottom of the metal housing 1. The extended solder pad 17 has solder holes 171. In this embodiment, the extended solder pad 17 and its solder holes 171 provide reliable connection points for soldering the connector to the circuit board or other electrical components. Soldering through the solder holes 171 allows for a firm electrical connection between the metal housing 1 and other components, reducing contact resistance, power loss, and heat generation, ensuring stable and efficient power and signal transmission. This is crucial for ensuring the normal operation of in-vehicle electronic equipment and preventing malfunctions caused by poor electrical connections. The design of the extended solder pad 17 increases the connection area between the metal housing 1 and components such as the circuit board. After soldering, the large connection area provides stronger mechanical support, making the metal housing 1 more securely fixed in its position.

[0034] A insertion guide groove 213 is provided at the bottom of the insertion cavity 21, extending to the bottom surface of the insulating inner shell 2. In this embodiment, the insertion guide groove 213 plays a good guiding role. When inserting components such as the electrical terminal 3 into the insertion cavity 21, the operator can quickly find the insertion direction and position using the guide groove, shortening assembly time and improving production efficiency, especially on large-scale production lines, significantly accelerating the overall production progress. The presence of the guide groove ensures the accuracy of the insertion of the electrical terminal 3. It restricts the insertion path of the electrical terminal 3, preventing it from shifting or tilting during insertion. The guide groove extends to the bottom surface of the insulating inner shell 2, making the force on the electrical terminal 3 more even after insertion.

[0035] Support platforms 231 are provided on both sides of the curved groove 23. The power terminal 3 includes a fixed end 31, a plug-in end 32, and a pin end 33. The fixed end 31 is disposed on the fixed panel 22, the plug-in end 32 extends to the plug-in cavity 21, and the pin end 33 extends to the curved groove 23. The power terminal 3 is arranged in two rows. The pin ends 33 of the upper row of power terminals 3 are provided with partition blocks 331, one side of which abuts against the support platform 231. In this embodiment, the support platforms 231 on both sides of the curved groove 23 provide reliable support for the pin ends 33 of the power terminal 3. The support platforms 231 can effectively withstand the external forces subjected to the power terminal 3 during use, preventing the pin ends 33 from deforming or shifting due to vibration. In particular, the power terminal 3 is arranged in two rows, with the pin ends 33 of the upper row of power terminals 3 provided with partition blocks 331 and abutting against the support platform 231, further enhancing the overall stability of the power terminal 3. The spacer block 331 serves a dual purpose of positioning and support, ensuring that each row of electrical terminals 3 maintains a relatively fixed position and guaranteeing the structural stability of the connector during long-term use. The insertion end 32 of the electrical terminal 3 extends into the insertion cavity 21, and the pin end 33 extends into the bent groove 23, ensuring smooth transmission of power and signals. The design of the support platform 231 and the spacer block 331 ensures accurate relative positioning between the electrical terminals 3, avoiding problems such as poor contact or short circuits caused by displacement of the electrical terminals 3.

[0036] The above embodiments only illustrate several implementation methods of this utility model, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A horizontal connector, characterized in that: The device includes a metal outer shell, an insulating inner shell, and electrical terminals. The metal outer shell is stamped over the outside of the insulating inner shell. The insulating inner shell has a plug-in cavity, a fixing panel, and a bent-leg groove arranged sequentially along the plug-in direction. The metal outer shell has a tail shielding plate that covers the outside of the bent-leg groove. The insulating inner shell has a locking groove on the side near the bent-leg groove, and the metal outer shell has locking pins that are bent and locked in the locking groove. The electrical terminals are located on the fixing panel, with one end extending to the plug-in cavity and the other end extending to the bent-leg groove.

2. The horizontal connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: Contact springs are provided on both sides of the metal outer shell, and through grooves are provided on both sides of the insulating inner shell. One end of the through groove is connected to the insertion cavity, and the contact end of the contact spring extends through the through groove into the insertion cavity.

3. The horizontal connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The insertion cavity is provided with a positioning guide platform at one end of the through groove. The positioning guide platform is provided with a limiting groove on the side facing the through groove. The contact spring is provided with a limiting abutment block. The limiting abutment block is used to abut against the limiting groove to limit the contact spring.

4. The horizontal connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The insulating inner shell is provided with an assembly buckle on one side of the limiting groove, and the metal outer shell is provided with an assembly slot. The assembly slot is used to cooperate with the assembly buckle to fix the metal outer shell onto the insulating inner shell.

5. The horizontal connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The insulating inner shell is provided with a limiting rib and an anti-reverse groove. The limiting rib is opposite to the anti-reverse groove. The limiting rib is used for positioning the front end of the metal outer shell. The metal outer shell is provided with a limiting spring. The limiting spring is recessed toward the anti-reverse groove to form a front-back positioning of the metal outer shell.

6. The horizontal connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking pin is provided with a fixing block, and the inner side of the locking groove is provided with a fixing slot. The fixing block is used to be inserted into the fixing slot.

7. The horizontal connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the metal outer shell is provided with a folding pin, and the folding pin is provided with a limiting plug. The bottom of the insulating inner shell is provided with a folding groove, and a limiting slot is provided on one side of the folding groove. The folding pin is bent and fastened to the folding groove, and one end of the limiting plug is inserted into the limiting slot.

8. The horizontal connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the metal casing is provided with an extended solder pad, which extends toward the bottom of the metal casing and has solder holes.

9. The horizontal connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the insertion cavity is provided with an insertion guide groove, which extends through to the bottom surface of the insulating inner shell.

10. The horizontal connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two side walls of the bent foot groove are provided with support platforms. The power connection terminal includes a fixed end, a plug end and a pin end. The fixed end is set on the fixed panel. The plug end extends to the plug cavity. The pin end extends to the bent foot groove. The power connection terminal is arranged in two rows. The pin end of the upper row of power connection terminals is provided with a partition block. One side of the partition block abuts against the support platform.

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